Contra Costa Foster Friends Opportunity Fund
The goal of the Contra Costa Foster Friends Opportunity Fund is to provide personal enrichment support to foster children who have often had an inconsistent school experience or to support the development of the whole child by providing assistance for enrichment activities specifically tailored to a foster child’s immediate needs, interests, and abilities.
Eligibility:
All current foster children within Contra Costa County, including Children and Family Services supported kinship care.
Opportunity Fund Policy:
Fundable services include, but are not limited to, tutoring, enrichment classes, sports programs, arts programs, after school activities and summer camps. Grants may also be used to purchase items that are associated with an activity, such as dance clothing, a musical instrument, or a sports uniform. It must be an activity that has not started yet.
Funding Limits:
Due to limited funding, there is a funding limit of $400/child/calendar year limit.
Award Criteria:
Requests are considered in the order received by the Contra Costa Foster Friends Opportunity Fund Committee. Funding is limited and is insufficient to support all requests. Therefore, the Committee will weigh the severity of the child’s need, and the value of the services sought in determining whether, and how much, to award.
Application and Award Procedure:
Always ask the vendor for a scholarship or discount prior to submitting application. The vast majority of camps, sports leagues, etc… will discount or scholarship a foster child. This will extend our funds, allow us to approve more requests and advance awareness of the child welfare system.
Consider other sources of funds, including 1) the Philanthropic Ventures Foundation Social Worker/CASA Resource Grants, and 2) the Child Abuse Prevention Council Special Needs Fund.
Submit proof of activity/item cost with the application. A flyer, screenshot of website, invoice, receipt, etc… all suffice. When reasonably possible the expense will be paid directly by Contra Costa Foster Friends. Otherwise, the expense will be reimbursed upon evidence of proof of payment.
Opportunity Grants are made possible through the generous donations of individuals and foundations to Contra Costa Foster Friends.